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photo by Destiney Robb
Mary Lee Williams holds an award she won during the Natchez Little Theatre’s awards ceremony this past year.
Actress has big plans for future
Published Tuesday, December 11, 2007
NATCHEZ — For Natchez actress Mary Lee Williams, the future looks as bright as a star. At 15 years old, Williams has her goals set high, and is working hard to make her dreams come true. While some students her age may not be concerned with the future, Williams already has a plan for success.
Williams was bitten by the acting bug three and a half years ago after her mother, Laurie Williams, participated in a production at the Natchez Little Theatre.
“I don’t know if I can say I was inspired,” Williams said.
Photo by Destiney Robb
Williams performs at the Natchez Little Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods” this past June. Williams, an accomplished thespian, will submit her application in January with the hopes of being accepted to the Alabama School of the Fine Arts. Also pictured is Phillip Ballard.
“My mother was in a play and I was backstage with her a lot. She encouraged me to try out for a play.”
Williams landed her first role in a production, playing the part of Martha Crachit.
“After I did that, I was hooked,” Williams said.
All in all, Williams has been involved in sixteen theatrical performances. Most of her time has been spent with the Natchez Little Theater, but she has also been involved with the Festival of Music.
“When I’m on stage, I have more of a perspective on my own life,” Williams said.
“I understand myself better when I am on stage as another character.”
Williams has decided to pursue acting as more than a hobby. This January, she will apply to the Alabama School of the Fine Arts in Birmingham. If accepted, Williams will attend the boarding school and perfect her craft.
“My parents want me to do what I really love and it would make me happy to do theater everyday,” Williams said.
Williams will find out for sure if she has been accepted to the performing arts school in March. Until then, she will keep herself busy by performing on stage in Natchez. Currently, she can be seen in “A Natchez Christmas Carol” Tuesday night at 7:30 at the Natchez Little Theater.
Comments
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
good luck girl!! SHOW HOLLYWOOD HOW THE COUNTRY FOLKS DO IT!!
THE BEST OF WISHES!! CONGRATS. ON YOUR AWARD!!
Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Marylee.... you kids at the theatre never cease to amaze me! I'm just so fortunate to say that I get to work with some of the most talented kids EVER!!! I'm so proud of you, and all the hard work you do at NLT! What a wonderful surprise to see such a wonderful article about one of my babies!!!!! Great article Destiney!!!!!!
Posted by progressntz81 (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
See y'all there are things, positive things, for teenagers to do in Natchez.
Good luck Miss Williams!
Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The theatre is definitely a positive thing for our youth. However, you must realize the amount of hard work and dedication these kids have. Alot of work and preparation goes into these productions at the theatre! Being a part of it, and seeing how these kids are able to do the productions AND keep good grades, participate in school activities, hold a part time job, and STAY OUT OF MISCHIEF; it just absolutely amazes me. I had the opportunity in directing these talented kids, including Miss Williams this summer in "Into the Woods" and "Grease", and am currently working with many of them in "A Natchez Christmas Carol". Their talents go beyond what anyone could possibly imagine. So please come to the theatre and see the talented future we have here in Natchez! Then you can say ... "Hey, I knew them when..." You can see Miss Williams and other area youth as well as many TALENTED adults tonight at 7:30 at the Natchez Little Theatre in the production of "A Natchez Christmas Carol". You won't be disappointed, and it's always great to show your support to the community... Alot of hard work and dedication goes into preparing these shows. Yes, there are positive things.... COME SEE THEM!!!!!! Have a wonderful day ! Again, I'm so proud of you Marylee!!!
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